Owl nesting boxes are constructed from standard, tongue and groove pine ceiling boards, on a 30mm x 30mm pine frame. Ask your timber supplier to supply the wood in untreated form, as household timber is normally supplied having been treated with poisonous insect repellent.

The two types of boxes are in essence the same, with the exception that the access hole is restricted to one small hole in the case of the Barn Owl (photograph above left), and large access holes in all four sides in the case of the Spotted Eagle Owl (photograph on right, box on the right). In both cases the bottom of the access holes should be located in such a position that the baby birds cannot fall out of the box.

A small landing area (15cm x 10cm) should be attached to the Barn Owl Box at the base of the access hole.The roof slopes towards the small front in the Barn Owl box, whilst the roof slopes the other way in the case of the Spotted Eagle Owl box.  In both cases the roof overhangs the sides by 5cm to give more weather protection. The wood in both types of box is treated on the outside only, with any good lead-free preservative.

As pine needles do not rot, they are found to be the best nesting material with which to cover the base of the box.

If you need help or advice, give Gerry Cassidy a call on +27 (0) 28 316 3412 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BirdLife South Africa thanks Gerry Cassidy for the use of his plans.

Download the owl house plans

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If you would like to buy a ready-made owl box, please contact Beau Young on 011 680 6216 or 083 448 4855 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it